Iconic Tone -- Just Choose Your Speakers

For more than half a century, the Vox AC30 combo amplifier has delivered an unmistakable tone and vibe. Now, Vox makes this legendary design available again with an updated AC30 that benefits from some critical modern touches. There are two distinct models available in this release: the AC30C2 and the AC30C2X. They are identical in every way, but sport two different speakers inside to best accommodate with your musical style.

Blue vs. Green

The AC30C2 pushes its 30 watts through 2 x 12-inch Celestion G12M Greenback Speakers. The AC30C2X, for its part, utilizes 2 x 12-inch Celestion Alnico Blue Speakers. The Greenbacks reveal their characteristic distortion (think Angus Young) a little later in the gain stage than the Alnicos, which develop their own unique crunch a little earlier (Noel Gallagher). The Greenbacks are constructed with ceramic ferrite magnets, while the Alnicos are made out of the ALuminium/NIckel/CObalt alloy from which they take their name. It's hard to explain the difference in words, but you should consider trying both models before you buy -- or get both!

Tubes Tried and True

The AC30C2 and the AC30C2X both make use of 3 x 12AX7 preamp tubes and use 4 x EL84 tubes to push 30 watts of power.

Vox's Famous Tremolo and Spring Reverb

The AC30C2 and the AC30C2X both include Vox's signature Tremolo to add that famous swirl to your sound. This Tremolo is adjustable both for Rate and Depth. There is also a genuine spring reverb onboard with a decidedly warm tone, adjustable for Tone and Level. Vox's signature Top Boost function is also here, with a 2-band treble/bass EQ and a separate Volume knob to gain the amp beyond the Master Volume. Both models include a built-in effects loop which makes this considerably more versatile than the original AC30s.

Tone Cut and Volume Controls

You'll find Tone Cut and Volume controls in the Master section to taking your tonal crafting power even further. Tone Cut works by modulating the signal passing through the power stage, yielding a darker, richer tone. Then, you'll find yet another level of tone control, playing with the balance between the Master Volume control and Top Boost Volume.

Plays Nice With Other Speakers

When you want to send your AC30 tone into a separate set of speakers, there is a switchable 8/16 ohm output jack. Plugging into this jack automatically mutes the internal speakers. There is also an additional 2nd extension speaker jack, which allows you to run an extra 16 ohm cabinet simultaneously with the Vox AC30C2's internal speakers. This allows you to achieve a fuller sound overall, while also letting keep your ears on your amp's actual tone when you're onstage.

Vox AC30C2 Guitar Combo Amplifier

The VOX AC30 combo amp has been an icon for decades, known as the sound that powered the 1960s' "British Invasion." Based on the classic AC30 design, the Custom Series AC30C2 and AC30C2X offer numerous up-to-date enhancements, delivering the most versatile AC30 design in VOX history.

The Models: AC30C2 and AC30C2X

An Evolution in Tone

VOX Custom Series amps offer two channels: Normal and Top-Boost. Each channel is equipped with its own Volume control, and the Top Boost channel offers highly interactive Treble and Bass tone controls. This powerful channel pairing provides an abundance of tone-crafting control, letting you dial in a classic sound that is all your own.

Both channels rely on the Tone Cut and Volume controls in the Master section. The Tone Cut control operates in the power stage rather than the preamp stage, allowing an additional degree of tone-shaping. The Master Volume control works in conjunction with the individual volumes of each channel to create just the right degree of gain-staging. By balancing the individual and Master volumes, the Custom Series can deliver everything from a clean VOX "chimey" sound to a powerful overdriven tone.

Sound in Motion

You can sweeten the sound of your Vox AC30C2 using the VOX Classic Tremolo effect. Both the speed and the depth are adjustable, allowing you to generate just the sound you want. A warm Spring Reverb is also included on the AC30C2 and AC30C2X, adding spaciousness to the sound. The AC30C2 and AC30C2X also include an additional tone control in the Reverb section. The Vox AC30C2 and AC30C2X can use the VOX VFS2 footswitch, allowing you to turn the Reverb and Tremolo effects on and off as you continue to play. The AC30C2 and AC30C2X also provide an effects loop for incorporating your favourite effects into your sound. True "Bypass" switching takes the entire effect loop out of the circuit.

Power Sharing

The AC30C2 and the AC30C2X amps make use of 3 x 12AX7 preamp tubes and use 4 x EL84 tubes to deliver 30 watts of power. The AC30C2 uses two 12" Celestion G12M Greenback speakers. The AC30C2X uses two 12" Celestion Alnico Blues. All models in the Custom Series offer a switchable 8/16 ohm output jack for powering an external speaker cabinet when you need to speak with a little more authority; using this jack will mute the internal speakers. Additionally, a 2nd extension speaker jack allows you to run an extra 16 ohm cabinet along with the Vox AC30C2's internal speakers for a fuller sound.

zZounds Expert Review

Vox is one of the most revered and respected brands of British tube amps ever. These amps have been on countless classic recordings -- and for good reason: Vox amps deliver punch and extremely focused highs. People often describe their tone as "jangly" -- they're perfect for someone who is seeking a tone that needs to cut through the mix. The AC30C2's dual 12-inch speakers make it enormously powerful, and give it sparkly clean tone at low volumes. If you desire a crunchy British tone, the amp can be pushed into overdrive. Onboard spring reverb and tremolo give the amp an extra bit of versatility and add to its incredible value.

zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
"Tube heaven when you boost it!"

Sound:
Bouncy reactive and crisp. I love Vox!,.its a great stereo companion to the Night Train 50 I have. I like sending the preamp sound of my Blackstar HT-20 into the FX loop. This amp has a great feel and has great harmonic overtones. This is a collectible piece of art that will go down as one of the most sold and recorded tube amps in history and prob the future!
Feature:
I like that you can jumper the two channels, the tremolo is great sounding and the FX-loop does its job well.
Ease of Use:
It takes a few minutes to understand that your gain is a volume nob and is interactive with the master volume to get the saturation you want. Great for bedroom levels with the master volume. It's kinda heavy. No it's heavy, specially since I'm not working out lately. Along with my Zoom G9.2tt tube screamer and my vintage tube monster it's a tubey creamy full sound, a dream come true!
Quality:
Exceptional! But there is that dust scratchy crackle sound at the lower setting on the master volume,. But I'm sure it's just dust.
Value:
It's prob worth more since its as classic as you can get. To me it's boutique sound at around a grand. You can't beat that since its boutiques are often around 3k!
Manufacturer Support:
They helped me with a exchange since Zzounds ran out of Black Comet Editions. The first one died on me not sure why but these things happen with tube amps sometimes. They where accommodating me well.
The Wow Factor:
People the reason why tube amps can be sexy is that they get certain girls excited if they like the sound, and the sound is sonic to say the least. Black Comet limited Edition is prob the sexiest amp there is!
Overall:
This will forever be a classic, From the Beatles Led Zeppelin to U2 and Radio Head,. This could easily be the most recorded tube amp in the history of Rock. This is a sonic tone monster hands down a powerful asset to any arsenal of a tube amp collector. A perfect man amp. It's not really high gain but if you know what your doing with a boost pedal like a screamer,.its Tube Heaven!
I bought the Black Comet limited edition,.beautiful amp! Thank you Zzounds for the amazing payment plans. I plan on being a regular customer for life!

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zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
"if you buy this amp you wont be disappointed. the red model is great too, limited to 550 so get it while it lasts."

Sound:
the tone of this amp is as good as anything ive heard. it has amazing crisp highs and when accompanied by the built in reverb its soothing to the ears. i love a nice clean tone with mellow bass and a nice mid punch and thats just what i get from the ac30. im a song writer and guitarist and i know when the shows start lining up this amp will get me through even the toughest crowds.
Feature:
its nice having a top boost input for really piercing the ears with extra gain. also included is a reverb dial which is up there with the twin, and a tremolo which is a sweet little bonus.
Ease of Use:
its as simple as they come. let the tubes warm up a couple minutes and youre ready to play. i play a les paul through it and even with the heavy gain and distortion the amp keeps its legendary clear sound. so id say its one of the most versatile amps on the market.
Quality:
solid. although it weighs in at around 75 pounds, its worth all the weight. the knobs and switches are tight and durable. one small feature that is really nice is the metal speaker cage on the back that protects the tubes and speakers from getting damaged. it seems like vox really went the extra mile to make sure they not only give you an excellent product, but to give you something that will last a long time.
Value:
ive played expensive orange and marshall amps that play loud and have great tone, but are they worth the high dollar? for a grand i got all i need and more. i was going to get a fender twin but decided to save some money and go with the vox, and let me tell you, im glad i did.
Manufacturer Support:
havent talked to vox about the amp, but zzounds was great dealing with. the play as you pay deal is super. not to mention i got the amp two days after putting the order in.
The Wow Factor:
i wouldnt say i "lust" for it, thats what women are for. but the design and beauty of the red color, the argile speaker cover, thats all nice, but when i plug into it i lose sense of whats around me and let the sound sooth me. its just the right look, loudness, and tone.
Overall:
although theres many other amps and instruments i would love to aquire, until i can afford them ill be perfectly content with my vox.

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